Carnival Cruise Line

Dining Options

One thing’s for certain on a Carnival cruise: you won’t go hungry! There’s a staggering array of choice onboard their massive ships, starting with the main restaurants. These offer sit-down service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and children’s menus are on hand, as well as theme nights and Steakhouse selections. Should you get a craving in the evening, late night snacks are served in the Good Eats restaurant. You’ll find pretty much every type of cuisine on offer, whether you’re in the mood for sushi or Italian. Here’s just a small assortment of what’s available:

• Bonsai Sushi – A full service sushi restaurant, Bonsai dishes up sushi, sashimi and bento boxes. There’s also a Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurant on some ships with elegant sit-down dinners prepared at tableside cooking stations.
• Ji Ji Asian – Open for lunch and dinner, this contemporary Asian menu serves stir-fry favourites with seafood, meat, and noodle dishes to tempt your appetite.
• The Steakhouse – This relaxed restaurant offers traditional steakhouse fare in elegant surroundings.
• Cucina del Capitano – Are you craving pizza, pasta and tiramisu? You’ll find all your favourites from Italy here.
• BlueIguana Cantina – From breakfast burritos to dinner tacos, enjoy the flavours of Mexico at this fresh cantina. Tortillas are made right in front of you with the tortilla press.
• Guys Burger Joint – Carnival has a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and he has helped create a range of different eateries to enjoy onboard. The Burger Joint serves all-American patties straight off the grill, or you can venture to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse for down home classics like baby back ribs and mac and cheese.

Drinks Packages

Carnival’s CHEERS! package includes a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at a flat daily rate (currently $51.95/day plus 15% gratuity). You’ll enjoy access to all spirits, beer, and wine by the glass, along with specialty coffees and teas, milkshakes, Rockstar energy drinks and other bottled drinks. If you’re a big soda fan (or underage), you can enjoy the non-alcoholic Bottomless Bubbles package for all-you-can-drink soft drinks instead!

Entertainment

Carnival cruises are known for their party atmosphere, so you can expect plenty of entertainment. Check out the ‘Fun Times’ newsletter for a look at what’s on each day, including nightlife, dining options and children’s events. The festivities commence as soon as you set sail, with the Sail Away Party including DJ-led music and dancing. Additional theme parties take place throughout the cruise, ranging from the Captain’s Toast Celebration to Mega Deck Parties and 80s theme nights. The onboard casino is the place to be for action-packed games of blackjack and roulette, with poker tournaments for cash prizes turning up the heat!

There’s no shortage of musical spectaculars to take in, including a show to welcome you aboard as well as Playlist and Production stage shows featuring the talents of world class singers and dancers in Broadway-styled spectaculars. Have a laugh at the Punchliner Comedy Club, sing along to live Karaoke or enjoy watching a Lip Sync Battle live. Are you ready to rock? Dance the night away at the Carnival LIVE Concert Series. Past guests have included everyone from country artists like Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw to pop stars like Nick Jonas and Carley Rae Jepsen. Family-friendly entertainment includes open-air theatres showing off big screen blockbusters, as well as an IMAX Theatre on some ships for 3D adventures.

Amenities and Activities

From ping pong to dodgeball, there’s an activity to suit every leisure preference you might have! Onboard games include shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, bocce ball, and mini golf, not to mention the jogging track. Get ready to soar above the crowds on the SkyRide suspended course; or test your limits on the SkyCourse Ropes Course. Naturally there’s plenty of pools and waterslides to choose from as well to cool down after a bit of fun in the sun. Demonstrations and classes liven up the deck, from cooking demonstrations to ice carving and ballroom dancing. Pick up some new knowledge to impress your friends back home.

• Family Activities

Carnival specialises in family fun, so you can expect a full range of activities to keep little ones (and not-so-little ones) occupied. Kids clubs offer age-targeted activities, with teens getting their own digital play area and party time. The Seuss at Sea program is a must for all Dr Seuss fans! This unique partnership brings the timeless children’s stories to life, with everything from arts and crafts to character breakfasts serving green eggs and ham.

• Spa and Fitness

A Carnival cruise is an epic vacation, so treat yourself to indulgent beauty treatments and luxurious spa therapies. Facials, manicures, pedicures, and therapy wraps are just the beginning of what’s on offer at the soothing Cloud 9 Spa! If you’re ready to work up a sweat, visit the Fitness Centre where you can take part in group classes like Pilates, Yoga, Stretch, and Body Conditioning among others.

Service Charges

Gratuities are customary but left up to your discretion. The cruise line advises tipping $12.95 per person, per day if you’re staying in a standard stateroom or $13.95 if you’re staying in a suite. You can choose to prepay these if you like! An automatic 15% service charge is also added to all beverage purchases.

Dress Code

During the day, dress for comfort to enjoy the array of activities on the deck and onshore. In the evenings, a ‘Cruise Casual’ code applies except for the occasional ‘Cruise Elegant’ dress code for special occasions.

Cruise Casual boils down to sport slacks, khakis or jeans with collared polo shirts for men, and summer dresses or smart casual outfits for women. You can wear your fancier outfits on Cruise Elegant nights, with cocktail dresses, elegant separates and evening gowns for ladies and dress suits and ties for men.